A change in bowel habits, such as more frequent diarrhea or constipation.

Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool.

Ongoing discomfort in the belly area, such as cramps, gas or pain.

A feeling that the bowel doesn't empty all the way during a bowel movement.

Weakness or tiredness.

Losing weight without trying.

Many people with colon cancer don't have symptoms at first. When symptoms appear, they'll likely depend on the cancer's size and where it is in the large intestine.

Fruits, vegetables and whole grains have vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants.

If you choose to drink alcohol, limit the amount you drink to no more than one drink a day for women and two for men.

Doctors recommend that people with an average risk of colon cancer consider starting colon cancer screening around age 45. But people with an increased risk should think about starting screening sooner.

Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days. If you've been inactive, start slowly and build up gradually to 30 minutes. Also, talk with a healthcare professional before starting an exercise program.

Stool tests. Both polyps and colorectal cancers can bleed, and stool tests check for tiny amounts of blood in feces (stool) that cannot be seen visually.

Colonoscopy. In this test, the rectum and entire colon are examined using a colonoscope, a flexible lighted tube with a lens for viewing and a tool for removing tissue, which is inserted through the anus into the rectum. During colonoscopy, any abnormal growths in the entire colon and the rectum can be removed.

If an abnormality is found during a standard colonoscopy it will be removed (polypectomy) or a biopsy performed, and the cells will be examined to see if cancer is present.

Colon Cancer Defense

Colon Cancer Overview

Exercises

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